2019
The View from Ventress - 2019
University of Mississippi. College of Liberal Arts
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University of Mississippi. College of Liberal Arts, "The View from Ventress - 2019" (2019).Liberal Arts Newsletters. 10. https://egrove.olemiss.edu/libarts_news/10
2018–19 Academic Year
The University of Mississippi
News from the College of Liberal Arts
|
l i b a r t s . o l e m i s s . e d u
The View from Ventress
Arabic
Language
Flagship
“Here in Oxford, at the
University
of Mississippi,
is one of the
best
Arabic programs in the country
.”
I
n 2018 the Department of Modern Languages was awarded an Arabic Flagship Program, sponsored by the National Security Education Program, a federal initiative to create a wider and better-qualified pool of US citizens with foreign language and international skills. The federally funded languages currently offered at 21 universities are Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, and Turkish.Our modern languages department is the only one in the nation with both Arabic and Chinese Language Flagship programs. Chinese was established in 2003.
“UM is a de facto hub of critical language learning in America,” said Allen Clark, associate professor of Arabic and codirector of the Arabic Flagship Program. “We believe we have the number-one Chinese and Arabic Flagship programs in the US, unrivaled. We recruit a strong pool of language
learners with the ambition and determination to make positive changes in all sectors—public and private—through a well-grounded, balanced view of the Arab region.” The Flagship provides funds to hire new faculty, add courses and experiences, and increase study-abroad opportunities.
“When UM started teaching Arabic in 2008, we modeled our program on the Chinese Flagship. We believe we’ve been Flagship-quality for years,” said Daniel O’Sullivan, chair of modern languages.
“Majoring in Arabic at UM was a great decision because teachers and peers pushed me to excel,” said Cynthia Bauer, who also majored in international studies. “I read Arabic literature and conducted ethnographic research. The program brought me to a level able to converse in Arabic with anyone on the street. It is hugely important for my career.”
— J O H N C H A P P E L L
Rhodes Scholar finalist and Arabic Flagship graduate
John Chappell (BA international studies and Arabic ’19) photographed fellow students riding in a caravan on the Erg Chebbi Dunes of Tafilalet, Morocco.
2 2019 The View from Ventress
T H E
D E A N
Lee M.
Cohen,
PhD
I
t is difficult for me to believe that this fall will mark the start of the 5th year that I have had the honor of working on our beautiful campus as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. As I look through this newsletter, I feel a sense of pride and amazement of our accomplishments. In fact, each year I think, “It can’t get any better than this,” and each year, to my delight, I am proven wrong. As I reflect on the last year, one word comes to mind:excellence. Realizing academic excellence is not easy;
it is admired because it is difficult to attain. For example, this year our university had its “Very High Research Activity” (R-1) Carnegie Classification renewed, placing us, once again, as one of the premier research universities nationwide. This is important for a number of reasons. Specifically, it impacts how government officials, independent analysts, and academic groups perceive our institution. It gives us recognition as a significant player on the national research stage. It helps recruit and retain faculty as well as increase the quality of the student body. Finally, in a competitive market, the R-1 label can significantly help our already strong reputation. However, the pursuit of academic excellence is more than achieving a prominent national ranking. It is striving to better understand ourselves and the world around us. It is maximally developing one’s intellectual capacities to achieve professional and personal success, and ultimately to serve humanity.
We are strong because of the many talented and hardworking individuals who were part of the 2018-19 academic year in the College of Liberal Arts. We are also strong because of the generations of alumni who have come through the College. Our alumni are making meaningful contributions to society and all sectors of the economy.
I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter, and gain a renewed sense of pride in what is happening on campus to prepare the next wave of graduates.
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2019 Phi Beta Kappa induction ceremony
National Honor for
the Honor Society
O
nly 10% of US colleges and universitiesshelter a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest undergraduate honors organization. The UM chapter, started in 2001, recognizes students with outstanding academic performance in liberal arts classes through a faculty nomination process.
PBK gives a Certificate of Recognition to six outstanding chapters every three years: two public universities, two private universities, and two liberal
arts colleges. The UM chapter was recognized as one of two outstanding chapters at a public university. “The diligence of our faculty and PBK officers in identifying and following up with qualified students gives us one of the highest national acceptance rates,” said Sandra Spiroff, associate professor of mathematics and PBK chapter president. “Our website and promotional materials earned us praise at the national PBK meeting.” “Tremendous support from the Chancellor’s office and the College of Liberal Arts indicates the value the university places on a liberal arts education,” said Luanne Buchanan, instructional associate professor of Spanish and PBK secretary-treasurer.
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Jarvis Benson (from top left), John Chappell, Chinelo Ibekwe, and Jaz Brisack.
Rhodes Finalists
F
or the first time ever, UM boasts four finalists for prestigious Rhodes Scholarships to study at the University of Oxford in England. And, Jaz Brisack is our 26th—and first woman—Rhodes Scholar! The win puts UM in the top 10 public institutions in the nation for the number of Rhodes Scholars— tied for first with Vanderbilt among SEC schools.Brisack, a general studies major minoring in journalism, public policy leadership, and sociology, is a Truman Scholar with a long history as a champion for human, civil, and labor rights. President of the College Democrats and a frequent contributor to the Daily Mississippian, she participated in the Sunflower Freedom Project.
Jarvis Benson, an international studies and Spanish major, president of the Black Student Union, and Truman finalist, is active with civil rights, voting rights, immigration, and education issues.
John Chappell, an international studies and Arabic major, 2017 Barksdale Scholar, and Mississippi Votes cofounder, works on issues of international
human and civil rights.
In addition, Chinelo Ibekwe, a 2018 chemical engineering graduate from Lagos, Nigeria, was a Rhodes finalist for West Africa. Abhijaya Shrestha, a mechanical engineering student from Nepal, was a semifinalist in the Global Rhodes Scholarship category.
“Our pride and joy are immeasurable,” said Douglass Sullivan-González, professor of history and dean of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College. “That our university has produced four finalists for the prestigious Rhodes scholarship means that our faculty and staff have worked with some incredible scholars who have stood up to the questions of the day, and the world has taken notice.”
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COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS ALUMNI ADVISORY BOARD
Dr. J. Steven Blake (Chair), Kathryn Black, Adam Broome, Bradford Cobb, Dr. Mark Craig, Dr. Mike Edmonds, Robert Harper, Russell Hensley, John Jacobson, Ken Lackey,
Gary McGaha, Steven McKinney, Johnny McRight, Marilyn Mulherin, Gail Russell, Frances Smith, Sanford Thomas,
Barbour
Center
Engages
and Inspires
The Department of Political
Science is home to the new
Haley Barbour Center for the
Study of American Politics.
Focused on campaigns and elections, the Center is designed to attract students entering many fields with opportunities to learn about American politics and civic responsibility through classes, interactions with political practitioners, and internships. The mission is to promote a more engaged citizenry and inspire students to take an active role in government. “We don’t think that every student from the HaleyBarbour Center for the Study of American Politics will become a congressman, or even an alderman,” Barbour said. “There will be campaign managers, physicians, lawyers, nurses, and accountants who will understand the importance of government and become hard and effective workers for good government.”
The Center mission is two-pronged. The first focus is academic, including an endowed chair and a series of courses to advance students’ knowledge and interest in campaigns and elections. The second focus is outreach, bringing high-profile speakers to campus and hosting national conferences and summer
Joseph Haney (from left), Abby Wood, Ed Goeas (president and CEO of The Tarrance Group), Julia Johnson, Governor Haley Barbour, Shelby Maynor, Krista Perkins, Bailey Griffin, Cally Perkins, and Professor Conor Dowling discuss survey research and strategy at BGR Group in Washington, DC.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) greets University of Mississippi students Bailey Griffin and Krista Perkins at a National Republican Senate Committee Reception at BGR Group in Washington, DC.
programming. Students participate in a range of topics and experiences to prepare for engagement in the American electoral process as citizens or as political party activists, paid campaign advisers, or electoral process managers.
“The current climate of American politics suggests the need for young people to engage in the election process and be prepared for the reasoned, respectful political debate that supports a healthy democracy,” said Lee M. Cohen, dean of liberal arts. “The College already produces engaged, knowledgeable citizens, and the addition of the Haley Barbour Center for the Study of American Politics takes this training to the next level.”
John Bruce, chair and associate professor of political science, noted Barbour’s “long arc in American politics. He started work in national politics as an
FIRST CLASS OFFERED
During January intersession, Conor Dowling, associate professor of political science, taught a Study USA course in Washington, DC, to give students an insider’s view of the political scene.
Barbour scheduled speakers and created networking opportunities. Students had face time with political party operatives, interest group leaders, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker, and newly elected US Representative Michael Guest, among others. “There were important networking opportunities for
internship and job opportunities,” Dowling said. “The course provided students with a unique
opportunity to learn about the political apparatus required to run a modern political campaign.” Barbour called the maiden voyage for the Center a “striking success.”
undergraduate, and has never left. A thread running through his career is activity in campaigns and elections, and it is this aspect that we hope the Barbour Center reflects.”
Barbour’s life in politics began in 1968 as a field organizer on Richard Nixon’s presidential campaign. From 1973 to 1976, he was executive director of the Mississippi Republican Party. Presidents Gerald Ford, George H. W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan were among the many Barbour advised. He was political director of the Reagan White House and cofounded BGR Group, a prominent Washington government affairs firm. From 1993 to 1997, Barbour chaired the Republican National Committee and managed the “Republican wave” in 1994, which led to Republican control of both the Senate and House of Representatives. In 2004, Barbour started his first of two terms as Mississippi governor.
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“While I am honored to have the Center named for me, my biggest thrill is seeing students immersed in real campaign and elections political science. The speakers/teachers are a superlative group of some of the best-known political operatives from both parties
as well as from think tanks, trade associations, and super PACs. We hope students will be inspired to have an active life in politics, whether professionally, as candidates, or as volunteers.”
Cally Perkins, a political science and paralegal studies major, got a jump-start on life after graduation. “The course was a great opportunity to network with people who have successful political careers. It was eye-opening to learn about all the career paths in political science.”
Bailey Griffin, a political science major, liked the “firsthand, personal experiences of working in
Washington. Governor Barbour allowed us to interact with some of the most influential people in Washington and I will be forever grateful.”
Music Alumna Achieves Highest State Honor
H
annah Gadd (BM music education ’13; MM choral conducting ’15) lovesteaching music at Lafayette High School, in part because she sees students learning much more than music.
“My students get used to what success feels like, but they also learn how to handle failure and how to adjust, and that is just as important.”
Gadd’s effective teaching strategies, creativity, and compassion earned her recognition as the 2019 Mississippi Teacher of the Year.
She teaches classes in music, directs several choirs, and develops new programs that use music to promote student learning and growth in other areas.
“My choir students help teach basic concepts through music to special needs students at Lafayette Upper Elementary. In turn, the elementary students performed at our Winter Concert, and were wonderful,” said Gadd.
Students take the baton in Gadd’s student conductor program. “There are only so many solos in a concert. This is another opportunity for kids to lead and be successful. Student conductors focus on others and build confidence. They learn respect and communication. And, they love it.”
Hannah Gadd
Courageous Words
Born and raised in Jackson, Kiese Laymon, Ottilie Schillig
Professor of English and Creative Writing, is author
of the novel Long Division and a collection of essays,
How to Slowly Kill Yourself and Others in America.
She credits Donald Trott, director of choral activities, with the mentoring and support to help her succeed. “My assistantship with Dr. Trott and
other amazing professors at Ole Miss showed me how to connect with students.”
Gadd stays in close contact as director of the Oxford Children’s Chorus, a program of the Department of Music. “Those kids love being there, they love
music, they want to be challenged and coached, and they’re not afraid to grow.”
“It’s a thrill to see Hannah lead the
Children’s Chorus and her own stellar program at Lafayette,” said Trott. “She richly deserves the honor of Teacher of the Year.”
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I
n Heavy: An American Memoir (Scribner), Laymon writes of his difficult childhood. The memoir won the Andrew Carnegie Medal and Los Angeles Times Christopher Isherwood Prize and was named Best Book of 2018 by The NewYork Times, Washington Post, NPR, Southern Living, and Entertainment Weekly. The
audiobook, which he narrated, was awarded Audible’s Audiobook of the Year. “I wrote it to the place and people that raised me,” he explained. “It’s been shocking
to see other people feel so much because of the book. I’ve been traveling a lot, and everywhere, from the East Coast to California, people seem to be thanking me for saying stuff that they wanted to say and couldn’t.
“They say, ‘Thank you for having the courage to find those words.’ It’s strange to create a piece of art that way more people than you intended to love, love.”
From his boyhood to his time in New York as a college professor, Laymon looks at the complex relationship with his mother, grandmother, identity, body image, race, writing, and other subjects. Heavy is “gorgeous, gutting…generous” (The New York Times).
“My mother made me write, she made me read, but that’s not why I’m here,” he said at the Carnegie Medal ceremony. “I’m here because she made me reread and she made me revise.
“She taught me that revision is great on the page, but the revision we do in our relationships is the revision that matters the most.”
Laymon’s essays, stories, and reviews are in Esquire, McSweeney’s, The New York Times,
Granta, Vanity Fair, The Best American Series, Ebony, Paris Review, and other
publications.
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Higher Learning
Elam Miller, a senior majoring in public policy leadership and president of the Associated Student Body, was an honoree
at the 32nd annual Higher Education Appreciation Day-Working for
Academic Excellence awards program in Jackson.
The Sound of Music
At the fall 2018 National Association of Singing Regional Vocal Competition four UM students won high honors: Caitlin Richardson—1st Place, Younger Advanced Women Maddi Jolley—3rd Place, Younger Advanced Women Ben Rorabaugh —2nd Place, Younger Advanced Men Isaiah Traylor—2nd Place, Junior Men
Prescription for Success
Her Life’s Calling
C
hristina Wallace (BA chemistry ’04) graduated in May apparentlyas the first member of Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to earn an MD from the UM School of Medicine. “It took me years to get here, and it
couldn’t be better,” said Wallace, who started a residency at UMMC this summer. “I plan to practice in Mississippi and stress to my patients the importance of preventive care. At some point, I want to get back to my community.” “Christina knew as a first-year student
she wanted to be a primary care physician,” said Dr. Lyssa Weatherly,
assistant professor of medicine. “She asked what she could do to be more competitive, and she did it.
“She’s going to be a force to be reckoned with in this state.”
Growing up in Tucker, one of eight Choctaw Indian Reservation communities in Neshoba County, Wallace didn’t know any Native American physicians. But she did know a traditional healer, her grandfather. Her mother was a registered nurse at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Jackson.
“I saw how she interacted with patients, and it intrigued me at a young age,” Wallace said. “I learned from my mom how to treat people.”
Wallace’s compassion was recognized with the 2019 UMMC Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award. “She makes patients and their families
feel at ease and explains things in an easy-to-understand manner,” said Dr. Michelle Horn, associate professor of medicine. “It’s part of Christina’s nature, and patients respond.”
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G
rowing up in a politically active family may have sparked her interest in public service, but Christine Dickason (BA public policy leadership ’15) found her life’s calling when she volunteered in high school as an ACT tutor in Memphis public schools.“I attended school only 30 minutes away but saw drastic differences in educational quality and access. It made me question the wide educational gaps.”
While at UM, Dickason was a founding member of the UM Food Bank; leader with the Associated Student Body, Ole Miss College Democrats, and Mississippi First; and a Truman Scholar finalist. Her focus on education continued through coursework, presenting ideas at a national conference, and an honors thesis that included a documentary film on college preparation and student
aspirations in Mississippi public high schools.
After graduation, Dickason was First Lady Michelle Obama’s Deputy Director of Correspondence.
“The once-in-a-lifetime experience taught me so much—from how the highest levels of the federal government operate to how to plan a trip to Yosemite National Park for the First Family,” she said. “Most importantly, it taught me to be flexible with my plans and stay open to incredible opportunities.”
While earning an MA in public policy at George Washington University, Dickason worked at the Government Accountability Office, the Center for American Progress, and the Global Development Incubator. She is pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Vanderbilt University.
“I’m still exploring career options. I want to research education policy and reach a broader audience to inspire not only public discourse but public action—something PPL professors inspired me to pursue.”
In her reflection on the PPL program, Dickason said that it is an incredible program that is offered at a graduate level at many schools.
“PPL allows students to build enduring relationships with excellent professors. Through the program, I interned in DC (twice!), visited local farms to learn about food policy, and took a creative approach to my honors thesis. PPL provides a solid foundation to build a variety of careers, whether it be participating in Mississippi Teacher Corps, working for a senator, or making your way to the White House!”
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Listening to the Mississippi Delta
“Coahoma” is a new podcast series by Scott Barretta, an instructor of sociology, former editor of Living Blues magazine, and longtime host of the Highway 61 radio blues show who has worked on the Mississippi Blues Trail and the B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center. Barretta uses the nearly 600 recordings made in Coahoma County in 1941-42 by Library of Congress folklorist Alan Lomax and researchers from Fisk University to reveal a rich
Mount Vernon Leadership Fellow
Mitchell Palmertree, a public policy leadership major, spent his summer at the six-week institute as one of 16 rising college juniors with unparalleled leadership learning and networking opportunities at the estate of US President George Washington.
“I hope it will equip me with the skills to turn my dream of a freedom project in Winona into a reality. I want it to be an
Christina Wallace
6 2019 The View from Ventress
19th-Century French
Art & Civilization
S
tudents learned about 19th-century French art and civilization during a winter study abroad course in Paris taught by Louise Arizzoli, instructional assistant professor of art history, and Anne Quinney, professor of French.“The students were open-minded about French culture, intellectually curious, and ready to tirelessly explore art,” Arizzoli said.
The course covered art of the pre-Revolutionary period and ended with early
modernism. Topics included the influence of revolution, the shift from history painting to scenes of everyday life, landscape painting as an autonomous art form, and the effect of modern life on the Impressionists.
The group toured landmark monuments including the Gothic cathedral of Notre Dame, just months before the fire destroyed its spire and most of its 12th-century roof.
“Two weeks of visiting museums, exploring the city, and immersing ourselves in Parisian life left me with a sense that I could understand the whole picture—how art and life were interrelated during this fascinating century—and how its imprint lives on in France today,” Quinney said.
Art history major Pearson Moore said the trip was incredible, but for different reasons than she expected. “I was surprised by the cultural differences. The submersion into French culture for two weeks taught me so much about communities different from my own.”
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Students and faculty visited the Rodin Museum in Paris, stopping in the museum’s gardens to view the sculptor’s famous work The Thinker. From left: Maia Pimperl, Kathelyn Hoffman, Greyson Keel, Drew Davis, Mary Claire Hayes, Olivia Jordan, Louise Arizzoli, Michaela Gay, Ryan Darby, Sarah Reininger, Madeline Stratemann, and Pearson Moore.
CLASSICS’ LATIN CLUB
Beginning in January 2018, a team of classics faculty and students ran a weekly after school Latin Club for 5th and 6th graders at Oxford Intermediate School. They support literacy skills while learning about Latin and Roman culture through fun activities and games. Undergraduate students get hands-on experience leading a class, working one-on-one with students, and participating in a team.
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MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS SCHOLAR
Charlotte Burge, a transfer student from Itawamba Community College pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in sculpture, is the recipient of a visual arts scholarship from the Mississippi State Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC.
“I hope my art can be a picture for people who haven’t dealt with mental illness, depression, or anxiety,” Burge said. “I want to give insight to the stress and the reality of the world—that it’s not a perfect Instagram post.
“A lot of my pieces represent that we are colorful blocks on the outside, but messy and disorganized on the inside.” Durant Thompson, professor of art, describes Burge’s work as “inviting and whimsical at first encounter, while upon further investigation, the viewer realizes that there is deeper content dealing with often overlooked life struggles.”
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Shining Example
T
wo awards celebrate Jacqueline Certion,assistant director of Foundations for Academic Success Track (FASTrack)—a first-year learning community easing the transition from high school to college: the 2019 Black Student Union Guiding Light Award and the Northeast District Harriet Tubman Award from the Magnolia Bar Association for her work with students of color.
“FASTrack means connections to peers, role models, and adults who genuinely care. Ms. Certion is the prime example of a role model,” said Rashad Collier (BA computer science ’17), a software engineer for C Spire in Ridgeland. “No matter the person or the circumstance, she’ll
stop at nothing to help, regardless of your situation, and won’t judge. Make no mistake, she’ll be on your case if you’re in the wrong, but it’s conviction laced with care that makes all the difference.”
Certion said, “I love having sophomores, juniors, and seniors continue to come for mentorship and to talk about life. Having students feel I am a confidante, an advocate, and a resource beyond freshman year means the world to me.”
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Read her story, visit VFV online.
A
nnie Duke, winner of the 2004 World Series of Poker Tournament of Champions, discussed her book, Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don’t Have All the Facts, at the annual Oxford Conference of the Book.Neil Manson, professor of philosophy, invited Duke to participate on a panel about cognitive psychology because of the book’s focus on behavioral science and decision-making.
“I knew her to be incredibly smart, successful, and charismatic. She has a strong background in cognitive psychology from before she started playing professional poker,” Manson said. “One of the most important things you can learn in college is how to make decisions. That’s what her book is about.” Duke’s message is to not equate the quality of a decision with the quality of its outcome. If you make a play in poker where you win a big pot so long as the dealer does not turn over an ace of spades, then you made a great decision—even if the dealer turns over an ace of spades. The decision was great, even though the result was bad, because you can’t control chance outcomes. That’s just life, she said. Duke talked with Manson’s Logic class. “The students challenged me with insightful questions and I encouraged them to embrace uncertainty to become better decision makers,” she said.
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Poker Star Discusses Decisions
A Wealth of Knowledge
H
igher education is a top profession of many College alumni who have a passion for their chosen discipline of study, understand the value of a liberal arts education, and want to “pay it forward.”Dr. Johnny Ducking (BA economics and mathematics ’04; MA economics ’06), an associate professor of economics at North Carolina A&T State University, has that passion from within the discipline of economics. His interest was captured in his first economics class when the professor “made difficult economic concepts seem simple. Economics provides a framework to think critically about solving problems. It involves studying how scarce resources are allocated and
how individuals respond to incentives, which is beneficial to individuals in many professions.” Ducking was a scholarship member of the football team before injuring his ankle. He then became a student coach for the team, was active in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Omega Psi Phi fraternity, and Reading with the Rebels, and was selected to many honor societies.
The decision to pursue a PhD in economics instead of a law degree came when a professor encouraged him to attend a summer American Economic Association program at Duke University. Since earning the PhD at the University of Kentucky,
Ducking teaches labor economics, sports economics, statistics for decision making, and
econometrics. His research focuses on minimum pay scales and discrimination in professional sports, including projects on the role of sports in the integration of universities and how sports conference championships influence college enrollment. “Economics majors have experienced success in a wide range of fields, even in areas such as coaching and journalism due to their ability to think critically and use economic theory to support their positions. Bill Belichick and Bomani Jones are examples of successful economics majors in coaching and journalism. These two are examples that an economics degree can be useful in many different areas.”
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ON STAGE
Sailors prepare to “launch” Dick Deadeye in a recent UM Opera Theatre & Orchestra production of H.M.S. Pinafore at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts. The cast was composed of university students, faculty, and administrators—including Interim Chancellor Larry Sparks and Dean Lee M. Cohen— alongside community participants.
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8 2019 The View from Ventress
English Students
Explore Careers
with Alumni
T
he inaugural “Next Chapters” networking program introduced students to alumni who have translated their study of English into a variety of careers.“Students benefit from the wisdom and experience of our alumni, and our alumni enjoy returning to campus to speak to future graduates,” Jason Solinger, associate professor of English, said of the two-day event he organized with his department, the College of Liberal Arts, and Outreach’s UM Internship Experience Program to explain the value of an English degree in today’s job market.
New Chapters opened with a panel discussion by six English department alumni who excel in their careers:
• Kimbrely Dandridge, an attorney for Gap Inc. in San Francisco
• Kent Jackson, senior product manager for Core Logic in Oxford
• Campbell McCool, an entrepreneur and developer in Oxford
• Lindsey Neyman, production talent manager for FuseFX in Los Angeles
• Nicole Tisdale, subcommittee staff director for the US House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee • Kayleigh Webb, associate publicist for
HarperCollins Publishers in New York
Panelists described ways the English program prepares students for success in life and the work
UM alumnae Nicole Tisdale (from left) and Kim Dandridge discuss their career paths in government and the legal fields with English major Hannah Woods.
place: communication skills, analyzing information, articulating concise arguments, and showing empathy for a wide variety of people.
Alumni discussed how high tech industries focus on humanities majors because they can communicate the idea, not just invent products.
English courses helped Tisdale master and articulate different topics. “I didn’t graduate being an expert in ISIS and Chinese espionage, but I did learn how to immerse myself in the subject matter and provide analysis for the variety of material I studied each semester.”
For Dandridge, “How I word a contract or place a comma makes a big difference, and my English background gives me an edge.”
Advice included don’t be afraid to show personality in your resume and letter, lead with the skills you have, learn how to market yourself on social media, make an impact with handwritten letters, and utilize alumni networks.
LinkedIn plays a big role when Neyman hires employees. “Check out backgrounds of people with
careers you’re interested in. Where did they start? It may show the first rung on the ladder to where you want to be.”
Jackson discussed preparation for the job interview. “Whatever field you pursue, learn the vocabulary. If you do research on the company and the field before you go into an interview, it will help.”
McCool urges students to connect with alumni. “Offer to take them to coffee and ask how they got
where they are. Stay in touch afterwards. Follow-up is important to let mentors know how you are proceeding with the job search and any success.” One-on-one speed networking sessions offered mentoring by alumni who are clergy, publishing house associates, art directors, business writers, crime prevention directors, financial advisors, health care administrators, philanthropy coordinators, and attorneys.
Emily Capponi, a junior English major, said the alumni gave her confidence. “They reassured me I am prepared for a great career. Several completed their degrees while still being undecided about which field to go into, and obviously it worked out!”
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SUMMER FUN WITH MATHEMATICS
The Rebel Upward Bound Institute, hosted by the Department of Mathematics and the Center for Mathematics and Science Education, targeted students from Bruce, Calhoun City, Coffeeville, and Vardaman high schools. Affiliated with the federally funded education program Upward Bound, each session focused on a different aspect of mathematical knowledge, such as algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics. UM faculty instructors included James Reid, chair and professor of mathematics; Laura Sheppardson, associate professor and associate chair of mathematics; and Thái Hoàng Lê, assistant professor of mathematics and colead instructor of the institute. Michael McCrory, an assistant professor of mathematics at Blue Mountain College, was the other colead instructor.
“We kept students engaged in math and gave them a head start on the fall semester,” said McCrory, who earned his bachelor’s, master’s and PhD in mathematics from UM.
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Create Your Own
N
ational employer surveys tellus the top skills and qualities desired in job applicants are written communication, problem solving skills, ability to work on a team, initiative, quantitative competence, strong work ethic, oral communication, leadership, attention to detail, and technical proficiency.
To develop those skills we encourage students to join clubs and organizations. However, some students take it a step further: they create their own.
For example, psychology majors created Autism UM and the UM chapter of Youth Movement Against Alzheimer’s. Students in the Intelligence and Security Studies minor helped found the Society for Future Intelligence Leaders.
Here are some College of Liberal Arts students who saw a need on campus, and responded.
Jacqueline Knirnschild (BA English ’20) cofounded the online magazine Sharp Oxford.
“Daniel Payne (journalism) and I created Sharp Oxford because we saw a space that needed to be filled. It crosses stylistic boundaries, grants writers creative freedom, and serves as a hub for sharing ideas. The first issue topics include fraternity hegemony, misogyny in drag shows, and my essay about sleeping in a former slave quarter at Rowan Oak.”
Knirnschild is proud of how “swiftly and efficiently” they produced the magazine.
“The inception of the idea occurred in February, and we gathered writers, worked on their drafts, collected images, designed the digital layout, and published in April.”
The experience inspired Knirnschild to pursue an English major and “to embrace and trust the power of my own voice.”
Katherine Levingston (BA Arabic and international studies ’19) reestablished a Jewish organization on campus, renaming it UM Hillel and inviting Jewish students to a founding meeting.
“We held first High Holiday Services of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in the Paris Yates Chapel, and were honored to have Henry Paris attend. “The development of a Hillel chapter contributes to
the practice of Judaism on campus and helps our Jewish community feel more at home.”
Richard Easterling (BS biology ’19) also revived a defunct organization— MEDLIFE (Medicine, Education, and Development for Low Income Families Everywhere) to coordinate medical mission trips abroad. “MEDLIFE membership had
dwindled to one person. To learn more, I traveled with the organization to Ecuador to serve with a mobile medical clinic. Afterwards I restarted
our chapter by spreading the word about the life-changing experience of stepping out of your comfort zone to provide care to those who need it most.” The next year five students traveled to Lima, Peru; the year after that, 20 students went to Cusco, Peru. Together with Global Brigades, the two organizations encourage global service among students.
Sydney Stanard (BA political science ’19) cofounded both the Mississippi Political Review
magazine for a higher level of political discourse on campus and the Center for Open Source Analysis (COSA)
publication.
“Being a part of something is wonderful, but establishing something and experiencing setbacks and frustrations is the most rewarding thing I’ve done.
These projects taught me more about myself—as a leader, a manager, and a writer—than being in a classroom.”
The COSA publication for the Center for Intelligence & Security Studies also helped with Sydney’s career prospects. “It’s been a great crash course into what I could do in the future, and landed my first job.”
Jarrius Adams (BA political science and public policy leadership ’19) established a UM chapter of Mississippi Votes to engage students in the political process. “As the Director of Voter Registration and Elections, I
organized a team to register at least 500 students on National Voter Registration Day. We registered over 700 students!”
Adams encouraged and educated students by speaking to classes and clubs on campus. “My greatest accomplishment was providing the
resources my peers need to contribute to our democratic society. Being politically active is useful throughout life and it is important that we start young.” Taylor Cabrera (BA biology and physics ’20) cofounded HerCampus at OleMiss, an online magazine by and for college women.
“It was difficult to get an online publication up and running. We had communication and organizational challenges; however, it was a rewarding, character-building experience to prepare for
the professional workplace. “Even better, I’ve
shared my story with others, which I hope helps to empower them as they read.”
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Students on a MEDLIFE trip to Peru.
Boren Scholars
T
his spring seven students in theArabic, Chinese, and Swahili language programs received the prestigious David L. Boren Scholarship to study abroad from the National Security Exchange Program—a record number for UM, and more than any other university in critical languages. Tyler Caple, Jesse Paxton, and Matthew Travers went to China. Lauren Burns, John Chappell, and Lauren Newman headed to Morocco. Claire Sullivan spent the summer in Tanzania. All are members of both the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College and the Croft Institute for International Studies, and six are using the Boren scholarship to complete their capstone
(fifth year) programs abroad. Sullivan is UM’s first Swahili Boren Scholar. “The Boren African Flagship Languages Initiative program provides the opportunity to gain cultural knowledge through a home stay with a local family and cultural excursions, such as a four-day trip to the Enduimet
Wildlife Management Area,” said Sullivan. “Living in Tanzania pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a competitive edge for becoming a foreign service officer.”
This year 244 undergraduate scholars were selected from 851 applicants nationwide.
“To continue to play a leadership role in the world, it is vital that America’s future leaders have a deep understanding of the rest of the world,” said former US Senator David Boren. “As we seek to lead through partnerships,
understanding of other cultures and languages is absolutely essential.”
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14th UM Goldwater Scholar
A
ddison Roush, a chemistry majorwith a biochemistry emphasis, is a national Barry S. Goldwater Scholar—the oldest and most prestigious science scholarship for the next generation of research leaders. A junior in the Honors College,
Addison researches treatment methods to combat Alzheimer’s disease. In his work with Joshua Sharp, assistant professor of pharmacology
and research assistant professor in the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Roush develops new techniques to simplify the study of protein structures and their interactions. His investigation expanded with Dr. William DeGrado at UC-San
Francisco this summer. “I worked with Dr. DeGrado studying the interaction between amyloid beta, a peptide that is strongly associated with Alzheimer’s disease, and TREM2, a potent genetic risk factor of Alzheimer’s disease, using cross-linking mass spectrometry.” Roush’s intellectual curiosity exemplifies the attitude faculty hope to nurture in students, Sharp said. “Addison is driven by an intense desire
to know, and to find out what’s next. When presented with a problem, he displays an intensity of thought, a capacity for self-motivated scientific exploration, and a rare ability to find and ask the next important question in the field. Addison has new and productive ideas at every turn.”
Roush discovered his love of chemistry taking organic chemistry and changed his major from pharmacy to biochemistry, even though it meant adding a fifth year. He intends to pursue a PhD in biophysics and aims to develop ways to visualize protein-folding events as they occur.
“My career goals have been validated. Academic chemistry research can be an extremely difficult field to break into, especially if one hopes to eventually work at a top institution. It is a supreme honor to have my plans for a career in research be recognized by such a prestigious organization.”
Roush is one of 493 students selected from more than 5,000 applicants nationwide.
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“Living in Tanzania
pushed me out of my comfort
zone
and
gave me a
competitive edge
for becoming a foreign service officer
.”
— C L A I R E S U L L I V A N
Dance, Dance, Dance
Allen Dillon, a BFA musical theatre major, and other students perform “How Do I Enter?” by choreographer Mary Chase during the slavery tour/ civil rights happening at the American College Dance Association Conference held on campus in March.
Professor Featured in PBS Documentary
Shennette Garrett-Scott, associate professor of history and African American Studies, helps tell the untold story of African American
entrepreneurship in the PBS documentary series Boss: The Black Experience in Business, which premiered in April. She is a specialist in the history of gender, race, and the political economy in US business in the early 20th-century South.
Student Spotlight
A look at a few of the 5,019 scholars in the College
DARIUS MARCUS WOODARD,
BM music ’19 “I chose music as my major simply because music has alwaysbeen a vital part of me and is one of the things that I do well. I cherish the relationships I’ve made with the many wonderful staff and students of the music department who all have made my college experience an enjoyable one,” said Darius, winner of the Cabaret Competition for the Department of Music’s Living Music Resource™ third annual hUManities event.
“Being able to sing with various ensembles in the music department and student teach in a professional teaching setting has given me a glimpse of what is to come as I prepare to become a school choral music educator after leaving the University of Mississippi.”
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LAUREN ELLISON,
BA psychology ’19 “My psychology degree and liberal arts experienceare an excellent foundation for a career in law. I intend to practice medical malpractice defense or patent law and think my psychology degree will allow me to understand clients, witnesses, juries, judges, and fellow lawyers.
“Completing and defending my honors thesis, “It’s Not Just ‘Skin Deep’: Social Anxiety and
Anxiety Sensitivity in Adults with
Psychodermatological Disorders,” under the guidance of Dr. Laura Dixon, is the highlight of my academic experience. I presented my information at the UM Conference on Psychological Science. Working on this project improved my time-management skills, taught me how to properly analyze research articles, further developed my writing skills, and helped me to become more articulate and confident when presenting.”
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JACOB FERGUSON,
BA English and history ’19Jacob, a Hall of Fame member, wrote his history capstone paper on
“Paternalism and Property Rights in the Slaveholding South: F. A. P. Barnard’s Trial at the University of Mississippi, White Southerners, and Slave
Testimonies.” He presented the paper to the state Symposium for History Undergraduate Research and received the Franklin Riley Prize for best undergraduate paper from the Arch Dalrymple III Department of History. “I took classes on the 20th-century South and slavery at Ole Miss to better
understand this place I call home. Although I had not previously left the country, I studied in Venice, Italy, and after realizing the value of this experience, studied in Scotland. Exposure to new cultures, ideas, and ways of learning made me a better student and global citizen.”
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RENÉE SULLIVAN-GONZÁLEZ,
BA physics ’18 Renée is a technical analyst studying data from infrasound sensors and various military systems for Hyperion Technology Group, Inc. “It’s exciting and somewhat surreal to work on projects I learned about in the classroom, especially since Hyperion collaborates with the National Center for Physical Acoustics on a number of projects and devices.“I was fortunate to do my undergraduate research with Dr. Joel Mobley and Dr. Cecille Labuda improving image capture for the measurements of the primary Bjerknes force in a cavitating ultrasonic field. I played with bubbles produced by sound waves in water while utilizing the knowledge and skills I’d learned in the classroom. The experience laid the foundation for my work at Hyperion and introduced me to people with whom I work professionally.”
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HOANG NGUYEN
BS mathematics and managerial finance ’19 “I study investment and the knowledge
regarding portfolio management. I will pursue a doctoral degree in financial mathematics and in the long run I want to become a financial analyst. Participating in the Putnam competition, the most
challenging university-level math competition in the US, as an Ole Miss student
representative is the proudest achievement of my college years.
“I learned a lot from the international student community. As president of the International & American Student Alliance, the largest international organization on campus, I hope the university will facilitate and improve cultural integration and diversity.”
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MARISA KUTCHMA,
BS biology ’19A Marshall Scholarship finalist and Academic Captain of the Women’s Soccer Team, Marissa coauthored “Multigenerational Consequences of Early-life Cannabinoid Exposure in Zebrafish,” a study of the reproductive toxicity of the active ingredients in marijuana.
“I worked in the Environmental Toxicology Lab because, as an aspiring OB/GYN physician, I aim to impact the reproductive health field. As the only undergraduate on the project, I learned the value of professional collaboration and problem-solving skills to reach a goal. The experience helped me during the interview at the British Consulate for the Marshall Scholarship and inspired me to work in the Ugandan reproductive health sector with the Peace Corps before medical school.”
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TY GILL,
BA classics, linguistics, and Spanish ’19Ty studied in Spain and Italy, worked on the Linguistic Survey of Scotland, and attended the Summer Linguistic Institute at the University of Kentucky, where he will begin a master’s degree next fall. This year he holds a Fulbright grant as an Auxiliar de Conversación (English Teaching Assistant) in the Principality of Asturias, Spain.
“All three of my majors—classics, linguistics, and Spanish—fit my goal to work with computational sociolinguistics and historical linguistics studying the dialect formation of Latin into modern-day Romance languages. I also want to work with modern sociolinguistics improving artificial intelligence and Natural Language Processing. My end goal is to be a Computational Sociolinguist at Google and then teach at the university level.”
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12 2019
ASHTON KEEN,
BFA ceramics ’19Ashton’s ceramics BFA thesis exhibition, “Hidden,” is featured on these two pages.
“Within this body of work, I’m striving to combine the visual strength of architectural construction with the beautifully cluttered line I see in Islamic calligraphy. Drawing inspiration from historical and ceremonial utilitarian forms, specifically teapots and platters, I utilize pulled handles as an exploration of form, line, and negative space. Accentuating the attachments to the forms, I want people to relate these lines to traditional ceramic objects within the realm of function. However, I strive to convey a more fluid line that moves the eye and brings question to its conceptual function. By pulling out the musculature of the object, leaving it with only the bones of the piece, these forms become cagelike in structure, bringing a feeling of weightlessness in these large objects.”
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HEATH WOOTEN
BA anthropology, English, and linguistics ’20 “The workshop structure of my writing classes
illuminates an emotional world different from my usual academic experiences. Much in the way that studies in archaeology allow me to connect emotionally with populations of the past, poetry workshops allow me to learn about and connect with individuals in the present through their work.
“In workshop, we directly exchange personal worldviews, empathies, neuroses, and paranoias. Reading and discussing poetry written by people of diverse backgrounds who occupy the same space fosters an intimate, informative, and unique
environment. In this way, I have developed my voice as a poet and gained valuable perspectives from people of unique or marginalized backgrounds all of which have informed my social consciousness.”
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SKYLYN IRBY,
BS mathematics ’19 The Hall of Fame member held a number of leadership positions on campus and expanded her horizons beyond campus. “An organization serving minority students pursuing STEM degrees, the IMAGE program—Increasing Minority Access to Graduate Education Program—made a big impact by providing resources and mentors to help me succeed in college. As an IMAGE scholar, I participated in a Study Abroad program in Belize studying a river to improve a water system.“Last summer I served as an undergraduate researcher for the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Undergraduate Program in Berkeley, California. I was ecstatic to analyze statistically an education-related data set! This project encompassed so much of what I hope to do as an aspiring mathematician, as it integrated something I enjoy—math —and something I am passionate about—education.”
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CAROLINE BASS
BA international studies and Spanish ’19
“I entered the Croft Institute for International Studies with the expectation that learning Spanish would come from taking a language course each semester. In upper-level classes I realized that, while I was achieving exemplary grades, speaking Spanish is an endeavor requiring self-motivation and hard work, not just doing homework. I began studying grammar and vocabulary daily and listening to and speaking Spanish at every opportunity. Before my study abroad semester I worked harder learning the language than I have ever worked in any class. In the Dominican Republic I was surprised at the level I had achieved and the ease with which I participated in classes taught in Spanish and communicated with my peers.
“Speaking Spanish has opened doors for new friendships, service opportunities, and travels.”
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KEELIN CARR,
BA forensic chemistry ’19 A Luckyday Scholar and member of the Pride of the South Band who interned at the Mississippi Forensics Laboratory, Keelin aspired “to make a greatercontribution” with the UM Gospel Choir, as a Men of Excellence volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club, and as a mentor to college students in the Black Student Union and high schoolers in the Center for Inclusion & Cross Cultural Engagement’s Mississippi Outreach
to Scholastic Talent (MOST) program.
“As a mentor I work on and off campus to give information about classes, tell about organizations to join, and just be a person to whom students can go about problems. For high school students I provide information about colleges, ACT scores needed for certain classes and scholarships, and advice in general.”
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KYLE BRASSELL,
BA religious studies ’19 “My honors thesis, “Southern Baptist Influences onReligious Freedom Laws,” under the guidance of Dr. Sarah Moses, discusses the impact that teachings of the Southern Baptist Convention have had on the creation and passage of religious freedom laws in the US, specifically Mississippi’s House Bill 1523. My paper examines the denomination’s resolutions and writings that illustrate the Baptist beliefs regarding religious freedom as well as the ways in a religious group influenced public policy.”
Kyle’s academic accomplishments included professional meetings of the Society of Christian Ethics and the American Academy of Religion. He was also invited to participate in a department-sponsored public dialogue about religious freedom laws.
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14 2019 The View from Ventress
MAKALA MARIE MCNEIL,
BA sociology ’18; BS integrated marketing communications ’18 A Hall of Fame member on the executive board of Students Against Social Injustice and the campus chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Makala held leadership positions in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and served as a mentor for Mississippi Outreach to Scholastic Talent (MOST), an exclusive leadership program for African American rising high school seniors from Mississippi.She was a senior page for the Mississippi State Senate, an Associated Student Body senator, and student engagement coordinator with the Office of Sustainability. As a student archivist for the Modern Political Archives in the library, Makala assisted in efforts to preserve and encourage research in private papers documenting Mississippians at both national and state levels.
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LEVI BEVIS,
BA public policy leadership ’19 “I pursued a public policy leadership major becauseof my passion for law and government. Policy affects every aspect of our lives, and policymaking is one of the most effective ways to achieve widespread change and improve life for many people. I plan to work in Washington, DC, before attending law school to pursue a career as an immigration or civil rights attorney. Exposure to policy work and advocacy greatly prepared me for such a career.
“Last summer, as a legislative intern with US Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) I experienced policymaking firsthand. I utilized many of the skills and much of the knowledge I had gained through my time at the university.”
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MALLIE IMBLER
BA political science and public policy leadership ’19 This Hall of Fame recipient helped found the Future Alumni Network and served as its
president. And, she prepared herself for the career goal of working in the public sector in
Washington, DC.
“My favorite outside-the-classroom experiences was provided by the Lott Institute—internships during the summers for Senator Wicker and for the White House in the Office of Presidential Personnel. With these opportunities, I’ve applied academics to achieve and excel. While grades are a factor in being selected for such positions, implementation of both academic and leadership lessons learned in the classroom was also important in enabling me to serve in these capacities.”
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16 2019 The View from Ventress
Award-Winning
Graduate Students
Each year departments present Achievement Awards at Honors Day.
SARAH JOHNSON ARRADONDO,
PhD chemistry ’19 “Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been interested in Science,Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. However, most of my STEM teachers were men. The few female STEM professors transformed my life and placed me on my current path. I’m getting my PhD in computational chemistry to inspire, motivate, and mentor the next generation of female STEM leaders. I started this journey with the University of Mississippi Women in STEM organization, a network of powerful and creative individuals that help each other with issues women face in STEM fields.”
This fall Sarah joins Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland, as an assistant professor of chemistry.
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ZHENCAO GE,
PhD mathematics ’20“The Ole Miss math department has many great number theorists, and I am lucky to study with them. My current research for my doctoral thesis is on the irregularities of value distribution of L-functions. This is joint work with Jonathan Bober at the University of Bristol and my supervisor, Micah Milinovich, associate professor of mathematics.”
Zhencao’s interests are theory of the Riemann zeta-function, L-functions, distribution of prime numbers, and structures of sumsets. He has had two papers accepted for publication in journals and has given research talks at five conferences.
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FRANCES “FRANKIE” EVELYN
BARRETT,
MA Southern Studies ’19For her thesis, “A Bargain at Any Cost: The Rise of Dollar General,” Frankie’s research draws on her undergraduate background in gender studies and critical regional lens at UNC-Chapel Hill to explore the history and effects of the US dollar store industry. During her time at UM, Frankie has served as a teaching assistant and a Graduate Writing Fellow. She received the Lucille and Motee Daniels Award for her essay “Podcasting Place in ‘S-Town’: Construction of Place in the Serial Narrative Podcast.” In addition to her scholarly interests, Frankie was secretary of OUTGrads, the university’s LGBTQIA+ graduate student organization, and an active member of United Campus Workers Mississippi. This fall Frankie is a PhD student in American Studies at Yale University.
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MARCI WEBER,
PhD clinical psychology ’21“I chose clinical psychology to directly impact children and adolescents’ mental health, as well as to do scientific research. I love the mix of conducting research and directly applying it. My research is on disaster-related trauma, sexual trauma, and resilience.”
Marci has published six journal articles and a book chapter, mentored two honors students with their theses, and helped build UM’s disaster sciences minor. Her presentations at research conferences include the International Conference on Positive Psychology and Mississippi Partners in Preparedness Summit. Marci’s clinical education involves conducting therapy and assessments throughout north Mississippi for children in foster care and at Communicare of Lafayette County. She plans a research career with a focus treating PTSD and building psychological resilience among trauma-exposed or at-risk populations.
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HYERIM PARK,
PhD economics ’21“After working with labor statistics at the Ministry of Labor and Employment in Korea, I wanted to study labor economics in both theoretical and empirical ways. At Ole Miss I study gender wage gap and women’s labor supply with my advisor, Dr. Kolesnikova. The purpose of my project is to explain the labor supply of educated women. I have found that highly educated married women with children work less given their high average wage.
“For another project, I address the difference in labor supplies of single and married women from the perspective of the reservation wage and wage distribution. After graduation, I would like to continue to study women’s labor supply.”
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ANDREW MARION,
PhD history ’21Andrew conducted research for the University of Mississippi Slavery Research Group and has presented his findings at four academic conferences. He shares this research with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and visitors through campus slavery tours that explain the university’s connections to the institution of slavery. During these tours, Andrew discusses the lives and work of the enslaved on campus; the slaveholdings of university students, faculty, and alumni; the proslavery ideology that faculty promoted; and how the legacy of slavery continued to shape the university’s history following the end of the Civil War.
Andrew’s dissertation research, focusing on the post-World War II resettlement of displaced Europeans to the US, is funded in part by a research grant from the Harry S. Truman Library Institute.
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Where Will
Flagship Take You?
According to the United Nations, Arabic is one of the world’s five
most-spoken languages. Students who possess Superior proficiency
language skills have intercultural insights that aid careers in
government, business, nonprofits, and other fields.
“Our students are from all over the US and have
extraordinary academic profiles
. Aggressive
risk-takers willing to go for it
, they are a
real
credit and asset
to the university.”
— D O N A L D D Y E R ,
associate dean for faculty and academic affairs, distinguished professor of Russian and linguistics, and codirector of the Arabic and Chinese Language Flagship Programs
U
M alumni work in international law,journalism, education, military, translation, intelligence services, medicine, and economics. Many receive master’s or professional degrees. For example, Miller Richmond (2017) is at the Georgetown University School of Medicine; Alex Martin (2017) is seeking a PhD in economics at MIT; and John Chappell (2019) is earning an MA in foreign affairs at Georgetown University. Arabic Flagship students
commit to the program early by participating in intensive language study on campus to learn an entire year of Arabic the summer before
freshman year. On-campus language instruction each semester begins with Modern Standard Arabic before dialect study—Egyptian, Levantine, and Moroccan— is introduced in year three. In the 4th and 5th years the
focus is Media Arabic and Arabic Literature. Domestic Arabic coursework is supplemented by peer-to-peer tutoring, domain mentoring, cultural events, an annual language showcase, and two summers abroad in the MENA (Middle East North Africa) region. Most study with classmates at the Modern Arabic Language International Center in Amman, Jordan, and the Arab-American Language Institute in Meknes, Morocco. Others pursue
scholarships from ProjectGO or the Critical Language Scholarship to study in Jordan, Morocco, or Oman.
Arabic Flagship culminates with Capstone, a 12-month experience in Meknes, typically taken as
a 5th year of undergraduate study. “Capstone places the student in the ideal language learning
environment: setting, culture, and structure, coupled with tailored instruction and applied
knowledge and interaction through internships,” said Allen Clark.
“The Capstone program trains students to achieve superior—or nativelike—language proficiency. Students take their language accomplishments to another level and step into any career using Arabic full time,” said Sydney Green (BA Arabic and international studies ’18), program coordinator.
Lauren Burns
Why studying Arabic?
“I’ve always been interested in the Middle East, but never thought about learning Arabic. When I applied to Ole Miss, I noticed the program and thought, ‘That sounds like a challenge!’ I immediately fell in love with the language and joined the Croft Institute for International Studies where I focus on Middle Eastern governance and politics.”
Favorite experiences in the program?
“I still talk to my friends from Jordan every day! I’ll never forget seeing 47 Soul (a Palestinian shamstep band) perform in the Roman Amphitheater in Amman, Jordan. Some of our Palestinian friends dabke’d (a traditional Palestinian dance) so hard that the soles of their shoes flew off.”
Capstone year reflections so far?
“Morocco is different than Jordan! I’d never studied darija (Moroccan dialect) before, and caught on quickly. This summer we study darija, Modern Standard Arabic, and Egyptian dialect. Next year we take content courses at the University of Moulay Ismail in addition to regular language courses.”
Career plans?
“I’m interested in water and energy sustainability as well as civil society development. I haven’t decided which path to take, but know I’ll use Arabic in either field.”
Why study Arabic at UM?
“We achieve high levels in reading, writing, listening, and speaking; we also learn cultural norms and differences between the Middle Eastern countries and study several dialects. UM offers classes in Egyptian, Moroccan, Levantine, and Libyan dialects in addition to Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), giving us a huge advantage over those who only study MSA or one dialect.”
National Russian Essay Contest Winners
Results from the 2019 contest sponsored by the American Council of Teachers of Russian:
Connor Donlen, Category A, Non-Heritage
Learners, Level 1: Gold Medal
Pu Ouyang, Category A, Non-Heritage
Learners, Level 2: Silver Medal
Olivia Myers, Category A, Non-Heritage
Learners, Level 2: Bronze Medal
Mary Frances Holland won the 2019 ACTR
Post-Secondary Russian Scholar Laureate Award.
On the Cover
Brooke P. Alexander (MFA art ’18), visiting assistant professor
of art and art history, created the cover art for Citizen, the latest album (SONO LUMINUS 2019) by Bruce Levingston, an internationally renowned concert pianist and holder of UM’s Fant Chair and Chancellor’s Honors College Artist-in-Residence.
T H I S S P R I N G U M W A S T H E O N LY U N I V E R S I T Y W I T H A 1 0 0 % A C C E P TA N C E R AT E T O T H E C O M P E T I T I V E , F U N D E D 5 T H Y E A R C A P S T O N E E X P E R I E N C E A B R O A D . O U R S T U D E N T S T O O K T H E F I R S T, S E C O N D , A N D T H I R D S P O T S ( O U T O F 4 2 ) I N T H E N AT I O N . T H R E E R E C E I V E D P R E S T I G I O U S D A V I D L . B O R E N S C H O L A R S H I P S F R O M T H E N AT I O N A L S E C U R I T Y E X C H A N G E P R O G R A M .
Lauren Newman
(left) with her Moroccan language partner.Why studying Arabic?
“I initially chose Ole Miss because of the Croft Institute. Studying Arabic the summer before my freshman year, I realized the strength of the program. Knowledgeable, experienced professors made the intensive program fun, exciting, and rewarding. Arabic initially seemed intimidating, but I knew after that first summer Arabic would become an essential part of my future career.”
Favorite experiences in the program?
“Going abroad is the best experience of the Arabic program. I studied two summers and a semester in Amman, Jordan, and I am now in Morocco. Finding cafés and restaurants to frequent, making new Arabic-speaking friends, traveling to different sites—they have been the best part of studying Arabic and of my college experience.”
Capstone year reflections so far?
“Capstone is great! I’m surrounded by students who’ve made Arabic a priority, which creates a fantastic learning community. My professor is beyond amazing, and the program staff care greatly about our education and experience in Morocco. Other students are kind and encouraging, and I’ve made Moroccan friends who help me learn the dialect. I’m very glad I decided to attend!”
Career plans?
“I hope to attend law school and focus on migration, refugee, and asylum law. At some point, I plan to work with the federal government.”
Why study Arabic at UM?
“Ole Miss has excellent professors who care about each student’s language acquisition. The program goes above and beyond in providing resources and opportunities for students to improve their skills. Additionally, Ole Miss has a number of impressive programs that complement an Arabic degree, such as the Croft Institute and the Center for Intelligence & Security Studies. I am extremely happy, and I wouldn’t change my college experience for anything.”
Henry Stonnington (BA Arabic and international studies ’19) and Sydney Green (BA Arabic and international studies ’18) pose in front of the Jordanian flag at one
of Petra’s highest peaks.
Charles Joukhadar, visiting assistant professor of Arabic, and Brantley Hudnall.
“Our status as one of the best Arabic programs in the US is proven through our students’ success.”
During the year in Meknes, studying Modern Standard Arabic, Egyptian, and Moroccan dialects, and practical courses such as translation, each student lives with a family and is paired with a Moroccan conversation partner. Participants engage in a community service project and an in